Bangla Academy Firm on Feb 20 Book Fair despite Boycott Threat from Publishers

Bangladesh’s premier literary event, the Amar Ekushey Book Fair, is set to open on February 20 despite a growing boycott threat from more than 300 publishers. 

The publishers warn that holding the month-long fair during the holy month of Ramadan will result in "commercial suicide" for the struggling industry.

Dr. Md. Selim Reza, Member Secretary of the Organizing Committee, confirmed that preparations are in their final stages. “The lottery for allocation of stalls and pavilions was completed on Tuesday night. 

Allocation has already been finalized. Now publishers can start organizing their allotted spaces,” he told reporters. A total of 662 stalls—133 more than last year—and 23 pavilions have been allocated for the 2026 fair.

However, the decision has triggered a fierce standoff. In a press release signed by Mazharul Islam of Anyaprokash, a group representing 321 publishing houses declared they would stay away if the schedule is not shifted to after Eid-ul-Fitr. 

The publishers argue that Ramadan brings shorter working hours and reduced consumer spending, which would decimate sales.

In a further escalation, the platform "Prokashok Oikko" (Publishers’ Unity) has sent an open letter to Tarique Rahman, Chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and the incoming Prime Minister, seeking his direct intervention.

In the letter, publishers stated that nearly 90% of the industry believes participating in February would be "commercial suicide." 

They highlighted that the industry is already under severe strain from rising paper prices and economic instability, while printing presses were recently preoccupied with election-related work, halting the production of new titles.

“My understanding is that this parliament is somewhat different. We attained this parliament through the sacrifices of students and the masses in July, through a mass uprising marked by immense sacrifice, hardship, pain and loss of lives. That is why this parliament is a little different from all others,” the publishers noted, echoing the sentiment of the post-uprising era while urging the new government to protect the "legacy of the Ekushey Book Fair."

The publishers have placed two key demands before the incoming administration: the immediate postponement of the February 20 start date and the organization of a festive, full-fledged fair after Eid.

Despite these appeals, Bangla Academy remains firm, citing logistical hurdles and the risk of extreme heat and storms if the fair is moved to April. 

“The cabinet oath-taking ceremony will be held at the South Plaza at 4pm. As far as I know, the President is scheduled to administer the oath,” Dr. Asif Nazrul noted in a separate briefing regarding the new government, though he remained silent on whether the incoming administration would interfere with the book fair schedule.

For now, Bangla Academy is moving forward with stall construction and iftar facilities, setting the stage for a significant confrontation between cultural tradition and economic reality.

With Inputs from UNB